Day 14 - Lavacolla to Santiago de Compostela

Planned distance of 10.3km

July 22st

Today was the last day of walking.

Due to my knee giving me issues I decided to do what many think is unthinkable and un Camino like and send my backpack forward the last few kilometers by backpack transport. I don’t want to damage my knee or be unable to walk to Finisterre and Muxia when Darren arrives. And also not be able to celebrate someone’s birthday.

The walk was relatively easy, stopping for a drink and get our last stamp for our Credentials.

The closer we got the more excited we were, walking in a group was amazing, feeding of each other’s energy. 

Before we knew it, we were in the city. It was alive, people everywhere taking pictures as we entered the square.

Next to do was to get our certificates. Luckily it only took around 15 minutes as the queues were not too long yet.

Next to check into to our accommodation and then it was time to celebrate and get food etc.

Fluit fluit, my storie is uit.

Some pics of the day (to follow)

Day 13 - O Ribadiso da Carretera to Lavacolla

Planned distance of 30.5km

July 21st

Today was the last of the long days of walking. Only around 10km’s left to before we reach Santiago.

Before I get too excited, today started out misty and cold, this is great when walking long distances as you don’t overheat and you generally can keep a steady pace. The mist disappeared about an hour into our walk. It started warming up and we started to feel the heat. As usual we persevered and eventually reached O Pedrouzo and stopped for lunch. 

After a delightful lunch we continued our journey, this time having to cover up and it started to rain softly. The camera had to go under cover and could only make an appearance later in the day.

Today was one of the bad days, about 500m from the albergue my knee just could not continue. I stopped briefly and rested. A few stop goes and we made it to the albergue.  My knee was not having any fun. So had to rest it properly.

Not much to do or see in Lavacolla, so no need to go out. We decided to order pizza and eat in.

We only have 10km before our journeys end. And with that I have too many feelings to express, joy sadness, pain and the lost goes on. Time

Is needed to process all of them. Most of them at least, pain and sore feet will soon be forgotten.

Fluit fluit, my storie is uit.

Some pics of the day

Day 12 - O Ferreira to Ribadiso da Carretera

Planned distance of 31km

July 20th

The day started off chilly. The imminent threat of rain again, so everything had to be covered up. Fortunately the rain never materialized and the covers soon came off. The camera lost of shyness and came out to play.

 The day dragged out for ever, we only arrived at he the albergue after six. The reason for this will become apparent shortly.

The mist soon burnt off and it was rather warm and pleasant day. Some road and some paths. Thankful for no mud. Yay. 

Our route joins the Frances (800km route from St Jean Pied de Port) at Melide. Melide is also known as the Pulpo capital of Spain. Pulpo is octopus and not squid. We all decided that it was required to have some Pulpo for lunch. 

We arrived at the Pulpo restaurant and we ordered a few plates, potatoes and pimentos Padron (salted fried peppers). I thought it would be gross, but was actually surprised (not 100% sure about the texture). It was delicious. Next we popped in for some ice cream. Homemade ice cream in a cone.

The last 9 kilometers was a killer, the sun and it kept on and on. The mileage just seemed to never go down. Finally we arrived at out destination, but before we checked in we wanted to dip our feet in the little stream we crossed.

The albergue was nice, and the first one to offer eggs and bacon for breakfast. Yay. Guess what I had for breakfast.

Fluit fluit, my storie is uit.

Some pics of the day

Day 11 - O Lugo to Ferreira

Planned distance of 27.4km

July 19th

The day started off chilly today. Set off early, around 7, after a delicious cup of coffee.

We started our way over the bridge, and proceeded towards Ferreira. The dark rain clouds did not look to obvious as it was still a bit early. At first I though the ‘mist’ was a tad too wet. Within sixty minutes the ‘Cape Town’ rain started to fall, soft and consistent. Within the next hour we had to cover up. The rain continued most of our walking time today. 

Today we spent, what felt like, 90% road walking.  This is not cool on the feet. I hope the next few days will be easier on the feet.

Sadly the camera was too shy and did not want to come out and play today, so no photos.

That did not stop me from listening to the birds tweeting, perhaps moaning at the skies for soaking them. 

The few cats I saw were not particularly happy either, some stayed under cover while the wild ones looked soaked and very unhappy with their situations. I came across a tiny white kitten huddled on the verge of the road, I approached and tried to stroke it, sadly met with a ‘hiss’ and look of disgust. 

We are now 71.8 km from Santiago. Sunday looks like it will be the day we arrive. However things may change and nothing is set in stone.

For now we keep walking and updating plans as we go.

Fluit fluit, my storie is uit.

Day 10 - O Cádavo Baleira to Lugo

Planned distance of 30.4km

July 18th

The day started off misty and cool again, but by 8:00 the sun was out and burning off the mist a tad quicker than previously. 

Today was a long day, only difference was that it was relatively constant from an elevation perspective, apart from the initial climb out of O Cádavo Baleira. The mist helped us get over that incline in no time. 

The knee had its brace and was told to behave, but everyone knows that those told to behave don’t always listen. I popped one of my anti inflammatories once as soon as we had a bite to eat at the first stop, an old church. 

It was not long and the knee started to behave. It never back chatted until the brace came off once I had showered and usual duties performed. 

The walk was relatively easy and we made it to Lugo by 2:00. Happy to have the opportunity to explore the city. This might be the largest city since the start in Oviedo. It’s a great city. It’s one of the last cities with an ‘in tact’ Roman built defensive wall surrounding the old city. It’s around 2km in length and up to 15 meters tall in parts. Absolutely beautiful. Obviously I had to go explore and walk the length of it, like I had not walked enough today. My Fitbit read 50973 steps for today, a new record for me. 

Time for a rest, up at 6 to start walking at 7 to miss the heat of the day.

Fluit fluit, my storie is uit.

Some pics of the day

Day 9 - A Fonsagrada to O Cádavo Baleira

Planned distance of 24.2km

July 17th

The day started out as usual, misty and cold. This might my always be appreciated, but the cooler it stays the better and further you can walk without overheating. (My opinion anyways)

This section is apparently known as the leg killer. By the time we reached the end we knew all about it. There are a few uphills but more downhills. I usually don’t mind the downhills, but when you go down steep declines frequently your  legs and knees start moaning.

Sadly by the time we were descending to O Cádavo, my left knee was having a huge disagreement with me. Constantly back chatting. I really don’t know why. It usually cooperates. Thankfully it got me to the albergue without telling me off. 

After the shower and cleanup, laundry and usually duties after the days walking, I asked Antonio to assist me with translating at the local Pharmacy. I managed to find a knee guard, just to see it would solve all the back chatting. 

A few of us decided to make a communal dinner, so we set off to the local grocer and butcher. Gathered the necessary and dinner was prepared and consumed while celebrating a French pilgrims day count on his pilgrimage. Very pleasant evening.

Apologies for the shortness of today’s post, but your memory after two days starts merging into all the previous days. I know Darren will agree, as he has plenty of experience in this regard. The pics will have to tell the untold stories of today.

Fluit fluit, my storie is uit.

Some pics of the day